Role of cervical length assessment at mid-trimester scan for predicting preterm births: An experience from Tertiary Hospital
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Keywords

Cervical length; Mid trimester; Preterm birth; Transabdominal ultrasound

How to Cite

Tamrakar, S. R., & Shrestha, R. (2020). Role of cervical length assessment at mid-trimester scan for predicting preterm births: An experience from Tertiary Hospital. Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, 8(4), 187–192. Retrieved from https://jkmc.com.np/ojs3/index.php/journal/article/view/927

Abstract

Background: Ultrasound has revolutionized the pattern of care and management. Mid trimester ultrasound (transabdominal) is a valuable method for pregnant clients to predict preterm births.

Objectives: To assess cervical length at 20 to 24 weeks obstetric scan for predicting risk of preterm delivery and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of assessing cervical length as a predictor of preterm delivery.

Methodology: This is a prospective study conducted at a Tertiary Hospital. Pregnant clients with singleton pregnancy at 20 to 24 weeks were enrolled for transabdominal ultrasound for assessing cervical length as a predictor of preterm delivery.

Results: Of 1027 pregnant clients screened, the mean age was 22.92±3.45. Mean gestational age during scan was 21+5 weeks of gestation. About 2.43% of clients were found to have short cervix < 2.5 cm with mean cervical length 3.8 cm. The risk of preterm delivery was almost two fold when cervical length was < 2.5 cm. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value to predict preterm delivery were 32%, 85.9%, 5.44% and 98.04% respectively.

Conclusion: Assessment of the cervical length at mid-trimester can be useful tool for predicting risk of preterm delivery.

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